Family roots behind Zamzam Al Hammadi's jiu-jitsu success
In Abu Dhabi, sport was part of everyday family life, and Zamzam Al Hammadi grew up watching her mother train in judo and jiu-jitsu.
Zamzam Al Hammadi's interest in jiu-jitsu began at home, where her mother, Nada Al Nuaymi, trained in judo and jiu-jitsu in front of her children. Zamzam started practising at the age of three and a half, and her siblings, Ghala and Zayed, also watched closely and tried the techniques themselves.
Nada said she did not tell her children what to love, but noticed what kept drawing their interest. She trained with them, keeping their time together focused on encouragement, conversation and fun, so that sport became linked with enjoyment and family closeness.
Her children were initially shy with others, and Nada said she encouraged them gently and let them take the time they needed. Over time they became more comfortable and confident around other children. Reading and storytelling were also central to the household, she said.